The epilogue to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows takes place on this day in book canon: September 1, 2017. It’s Harry’s youngest son’s first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the feeling for fans is bittersweet.
Every year, fans of the world-famous Harry Potter series celebrate September 1. The unofficial holiday marks the first day back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; this year, it’s extra special. J.K. Rowling ended her seven-book series with an epilogue that traveled in time, to Harry Potter’s youngest son’s first time on Platform 9 3/4 as a student.
Well, it’s 2017, it’s been 19 years since Harry and his friends defeated Voldemort for good, and today, Albus Severus Potter starts at Hogwarts.
Today's the day Albus Severus Potter boards the Hogwarts Express at King's Cross for the first time #19yearslater ⚡️
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 1, 2017
Where has the time gone? Of course, Deathly Hallows came out 10 years ago. Philosopher’s Stone came out 10 years before that. All year, Harry Potter fans have been celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary, a major milestone for any fandom. But somehow, today feels more significant. It’s the very last first day at Hogwarts in series canon. It’s the very last time we see Harry and his friends at King’s Cross Station.
Whether you love the epilogue or not, sending off Albus Severus Potter — and Scorpius Malfoy, and Rose Weasley — to a successful first year at Hogwarts feels important. No matter your opinion on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this is a day for celebration. This morning at the real King’s Cross Station, the atmosphere was certainly one of joy.
11am at King's Cross #19YearsLater #BackToHogwarts @HPPlayLDN @HPPlayFans pic.twitter.com/QHg9IrPvJE
— Claire 🐙 (@clairegallagher) September 1, 2017
To those with us at King's Cross, and those joining us from all over the world, we wish you a safe and happy journey #BackToHogwarts pic.twitter.com/wAo7B157Zj
— Wizarding World (@wizardingworld) September 1, 2017
As part of the celebration, the #BacktoHogwarts and #19YearsLater hashtags have been trending all day on Twitter. The social media platform gave the hashtags their own special emoji — the Hogwarts Express — and fans have been using them all day. So have stars of the Harry Potter films, including Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick).
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How are you celebrating today? Sound off in the comments and let us know!